Born: 1963 (Wangara, Nigeria)
Biography:
Rabia Salihu Sa’id pronunciation[a] (born on April 21, 1963) is a Nigerian physicist, professor of atmospheric and space-weather physics, and a researcher at Bayero University Kano. She conducts research in atmospheric and space weather physics, particle physics, and electronics. Sa’id is an advocate and mentor for young women in science with the Visiola Foundation and Peace Corps; she co-founded Nigeria’s Association of Women Physicists. She is also an advocate and mentor of Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and is a facilitator for the British Council’s Active Citizens’ Programme.
Rabia Sa’id has made significant contributions to the field of atmospheric and space-weather physics. Her research focuses on understanding and predicting weather patterns, as well as the effects of space weather on Earth. Through her work, she has contributed to the body of knowledge in these areas and has helped to improve weather forecasting and space weather monitoring systems.
In addition to her scientific work, Sa’id has been actively involved in promoting and supporting women in science. She is a strong advocate for gender equality in STEM fields and has worked to empower young women to pursue careers in science. Through her involvement with the Visiola Foundation and Peace Corps, she has mentored and supported numerous young women, helping them to overcome barriers and achieve their goals in science.
Sa’id is also a co-founder of Nigeria’s Association of Women Physicists, an organization dedicated to promoting the participation of women in physics and providing them with opportunities for professional development. The association has been instrumental in creating a supportive network for women in the field and has helped to increase the representation of women in physics in Nigeria.
In recognition of her contributions to the field of physics and her advocacy for women in science, Sa’id has received several prestigious fellowships and awards. She was awarded a fellowship from the Institute of Applied Physics in Bern, Switzerland, which allowed her to further her research in atmospheric and space-weather physics. She has also been recognized by the Ford Foundation, receiving a fellowship from them for her outstanding accomplishments in the field of physics. Additionally, she was made a fellow of the African Scientific Institute (ASI), further highlighting her contributions to the scientific community.
In 2015, Sa’id received the Elsevier Foundation Award for Women Scientists in the Developing World. This award is given to recognize the outstanding contributions of women scientists in developing countries and their efforts to address local and global challenges through their research. Sa’id’s research on atmospheric and space weather physics has had significant impacts on the understanding and mitigation of environmental challenges in Nigeria.
Sa’id’s dedication to her work and her advocacy for women in science has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, she was recognized by the British Council for her community work and was selected as part of their 100 Women series, which celebrates the achievements of inspirational women around the world. This acknowledgment highlights the impact of Sa’id’s work and her role as a role model for women in Nigeria and beyond.
Personal life:
Rabia Sa’id was born in 1963 in Wangara, a town in Gezawa local government area of Kano State, Northern Nigeria. Growing up in a community where girls had limited access to education and societal expectations for women were restrictive, Sa’id faced numerous challenges in pursuing her passion for science. However, her father, an officer in the Nigerian Army, believed in the power of education and encouraged her to become a doctor. Sa’id’s academic journey began in an Army school, where she excelled academically and proved her capabilities.
Despite societal constraints, Sa’id’s determination and drive led her to pursue higher education. She made the decision to marry at the age of 18, once she completed secondary school. Juggling family responsibilities and the pursuit of education proved to be a personal challenge for Sa’id, particularly as two of her children required medical care. However, she remained resilient and dedicated to her academic pursuits.
Sa’id began her university education at the age of 29 and even ran a nursery school to finance her studies. She obtained her Bachelor of Science, Masters of Science, and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from Bayero University Kano. Her perseverance and dedication paid off as she joined Bayero University as a Graduate Assistant in September 1999.
Currently, Sa’id holds the position of a professor of undergraduate and graduate level courses in atmospheric and space-weather physics at Bayero University. By 2015, she had risen to the role of Deputy Dean at the Student Affairs Division of the university. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Sa’id continues to conduct research in atmospheric and space weather physics, particle physics, and electronics. Her research aims to address environmental challenges in Nigeria and contribute to the overall development of the field.
Throughout her journey, Sa’id has demonstrated courage, resilience, and a passion for science. Her commitment to advancing the role of women in STEM fields, along with her notable contributions to atmospheric and space-weather physics, has made her a prominent figure in the scientific community both in Nigeria and internationally.
Awards:
– Fellowship from the Institute of Applied Physics, Bern, Switzerland
– Fellowship from the Ford Foundation
– Fellow of the African Scientific Institute (ASI)
– Elsevier Foundation Award for Women Scientists in the Developing World (2015)
– Recognized by the British Council for community work as part of their 100 Women series (2015)